Our program
The Science, Technology, and Policy (STeP) Fellowship Program aims to improve the capacity of IAI member countries to use scientific evidence to support public policies related to global environmental change. STeP fellows are early-career scientists and professionals working at the interface between science and policy in the Americas.
In addition, the STeP program seeks to strengthen the links between science, policy, and diplomacy within host institutions. It responds to the growing demand from governments to build capacity in scientific advice on issues of socioeconomic and environmental relevance. This thematic approach of the cohorts aligns with the multinational and multisectoral agendas identified by IAI member countries, program partners, and funders.
The program structure is designed to:
● Respond to the current training and networking needs of future science advisors in the Americas.
● Connect national agendas—at the professional and institutional levels—with a regional platform of technical-scientific knowledge and applied experience at the science-policy-diplomacy interface.
Through a comprehensive two-year professional development and mentoring program, STeP trains future science advisors and leaders from across the Americas.
First, why become a STeP Fellow?
- Develop skills to communicate science more effectively to a broad political and social audience.
- Broaden career options with experience in diverse sectors beyond academia.
- Acquire critical competencies in science diplomacy, communication, leadership, and transdisciplinary approaches..
STeP fellows profile
- Early-career researchers (ECRs) within 10 years of completing a PhD or equivalent (DRPH, EDD, DVM, MD, JD). Individuals with a master’s degree and ~5 years of relevant professional experience will also be considered.
- Postgraduates in fields related to global environmental change (GEC), including biological, physical, and social sciences and engineering in key sectors (health, water, energy, agriculture, emerging technologies).
- Previous experience working in or with the public or private sector. Demonstrated interest in working at the interface between science and policy (no previous experience required).
- Citizens and residents of IAI member countries. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially if fellows come from countries in the Americas interested in joining the IAI.
- Must be located in/collaborate with a host institution in an IAI member country. The host institution may be a foundation, private entity, agency, or public ministry, at any level or in any sector.
- Fellows may be current employees of the host institution provided that: 1) they meet the profile suggested by the IAI; 2) their work is directly related to a deliverable that supports decision-making or policy formulation processes, aligned with the thematic area of the corresponding cohort.
How to become a STeP fellow
- The call for fellows is currently closed. Please check our opportunities page for updates (link to Opportunities).
- Fellowships are funded and hosted by various institutions and/or IAI Focal Points in the region. If you have a host institution and complete the STeP Fellowship Requirements, please write to step@dir.iai.int.
How to become a mentor
The members of the fellowship program come from different scientific disciplines and institutional, cultural, and geographical contexts, representing multiple program partners in the region. In addition to the peer mentoring that occurs naturally among the fellows, we seek out experts in the subject area of the active cohorts to accompany them through:
- Minimum commitment: Quarterly virtual meetings and informal support in the development of their project and professional training, with the backing of the IAI.
- Participation as a Guest Expert: Leading a virtual session as part of the professional development program. These sessions create a safe space to discuss the complexity of the thematic area and allow fellows to learn about examples of professional trajectories.
If you are interested in joining a STeP mentorship circle please write to step@iai.int.
How to become a host institution
Why become a host institution?
- Obtain technical and scientific advice to support decision-making and policy formulation processes.
- Increase competitiveness, networks, and collaborations between sectors and countries in the Americas.
- Create job opportunities for the repatriation of national scientists residing abroad.
How to become a STeP host institution?
- The host institution may be a foundation, a private sector entity, a public sector agency, or a ministry at any level, sector, or branch of government.
- If your institution is interested in hosting, please write to step@iai.int.
- The IAI is open to negotiating program requirements to suit the priorities and needs of each country.
